Man shot and killed after opening fire on officers in Winfield

WINFIELD, Ala. (WIAT) – One man is dead after exchanging fire with police officers on Monday, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Kevin Williams with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said officers from the Winfield Police Department responded a call about a suspicious black male inside an SUV in front of a hotel. When officers responded to the call, they found the man sitting inside the vehicle.

A short time later, officers discovered that the vehicle was stolen, and the man ran from police into a nearby wooded area.

Williams said an officer spotted the suspect pulling out a gun while he attempted to flee into the woods.

Police also found a stolen gun inside the vehicle.

Responding officers asked for assistance from K-9 units and helicopters.

The helicopter pilots spotted the suspect in the woods.

According to Williams, at some point he opened fire on the officers.

Subsequently, the officers returned fire.

He was struck during the exchange of fire and did not survive his wounds.

No officers or civilians were injured.

The Alabama Bureau of Investigation is now investigation the incident.